Northern India Family Holiday

Take the whole family on an unforgettable adventure to charismatic India, a place full of colourful characters, scrumptious cuisine and remarkable landscapes. Get the most out of this sensational subcontinent by tasting sizzling curries in Delhi, strolling through the 'Pink City' of Jaipur and heading deep into Ranthambhore National Park to follow the tracks of the elusive Bengal tiger. Of course, no visit to India is complete without gazing upon the Taj Mahal, an epic monument to love and one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world. With plenty of cultural highlights for the adults and exciting activities for the kids, this trip is bound to excite, enchant and inspire memories to last a lifetime.

Up to 20% OFF All Trips

From now until March 22, get up to 20% OFF over 1,000 trips in 100+ countries departing April 1 – September 30.

Up to 20% OFF All Trips

From now until March 22, get up to 20% OFF over 1,000 trips in 100+ countries departing April 1 – September 30.

1. This offer is only available in CAD or USD.

2. Discount is automatically applied to applicable trips

3. The offer applies to bookings made between March 13-22, 2018 and is for:

20% off all Intrepid Travel small group adventures departing between April 1, 2018 - May 31, 2018 (excluding private groups, sell-ins, short breaks, polar and Australia)

10% off all Intrepid Travel small group adventures departing June 1 - September 30, 2018 (excluding private groups, sell-ins, short breaks, polar)

10% off all Australia small group adventures departing April 1 - September 30, 2018

10% off all Adventure Cruises departing June 1 - September 30, 2018

4. The offer excludes any external sell-ins, short breaks and Polar. See the 'Important Notes' section of our 'Trip Notes' or contact our sales staff if you are unsure if your desired trip is excluded.

5. The trip is subject to availability and confirmation by Intrepid Travel at time of booking.

6. A deposit of $400 USD/CAD is required at the time of booking.

7. Full payment is required at least 56 days prior to travel. If booking and traveling with less than 56 days to go until departure, full payment is needed at the time of booking.

8. There will be no extensions to the booking, travel or payment periods.

9. The offer can only be applied to new bookings. Under no circumstances will the discounts be applied to existing bookings.

10. The offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other offers.

12. Intrepid Travel's Booking Conditions will also apply to the trip booked and it is imperative that you examine those conditions before booking with Intrepid Travel. The most up-to-date Booking Conditions are accessible at http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions.

13. As outlined in the Intrepid Travel Booking Conditions, travel insurance is compulsory for all Intrepid Travel travelers and should be taken out prior to or at the time of booking. See the Booking Conditions for more details.

14. Trip prices and itineraries are subject to change at any time, including after booking. If there is a significant price change to a trip that is outside the control of Intrepid Travel (i.e. a significant increase in third party service provider costs), travelers may need to be re-invoiced at the new price. Promotions and discounts will still apply to the new price.

Why you'll love this trip

Act like Mowgli on the hunt for Shere Khan in your own real life version of ‘The Jungle Book’

Everyone’s seen a photo of the Taj Mahal, but nothing compares to seeing it in person in the glowing morning light – you’ll understand what beauty really is

Little can describe the feeling of nervous anticipation, of the hairs on the back of your neck standing up in hope of seeing a Bengal tiger stalk through the jungles of Ranthambore National Park

Experience the moving town that is an Indian train – watch the colourful landscape fly by as the chai wallah walks down the aisle singing about his tea

India is bursting with colour, alive with people, dripping with the powerful smells of spice and incense – you’ll never forget what you smell, taste and see as you walk through the markets and bazaars

Is this trip right for you?

This trip involves some long bus and train rides, which can be tiresome but offer a quintessential experience of the Indian landscape and people.

Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned and a great way to travel long distances while still getting maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet).

We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

Gallery

Itinerary

Namaste! Welcome to India. Begin your Indian adventure in the one of the oldest cities in the world, Delhi, a magical city of surprising contrasts. There’s a Welcome Meeting today at 1pm – you can arrive any time before, as there are no activities planned. India's capital is an exciting, busy, and often chaotic city, but it's also one of the most interesting in the world – packed with historical sites, museums and galleries, shops and endless bazaars. After a chance to freshen up and have some lunch, take a guided sightseeing tour to explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi. In the narrow streets of Old Delhi, everything competes for space – squeeze through the old city’s fortified walls on the way to Jama Masjid. Dominating the city’s skyline, the mosque is a social hub as much as a place of worship, and a fascinating insight into Delhi’s way of life. Go with the flow on a rickshaw (own expense) through the throbbing streets, packed with buses, trucks, people and cows, on the way to the brilliantly coloured Red Fort. Then, leave the crowds behind and breathe a little easier in contrasting New Delhi – broad, tree-lined avenues, and former monuments to British power. Visit the main sights – Parliament House, President House, and India Gate, before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel Taj Princess or Similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Delhi - Jama Masjid

Delhi - Old Delhi tour

Delhi - India Gate

Meals Included

Rise early to catch the morning sun and a train to Agra (approximately 3 hours). The city alternated with Delhi as the capital of the Moghul Empire, and it still grips to its glory days, inextricably linked with the most famous of India’s rulers. When you arrive, take some time to relax after the early start until mid-afternoon, before heading out to see the city’s big hitters. Agra’s not just all about the Taj Mahal, it’s also home to one of the finest looking forts in India, a Friday Mosque and royal tombs. Sitting along the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra Fort is part stronghold, part palace and part prison. Built in 1565 by Emperor Akbar, it was converted to a palace by Emperor Shah Jahan, and it eventually became his jail when he lost power. Enter the dark red sandstone fort by crossing the (now empty) crocodile-infested moat. Search through throne rooms and tiny but incredibly decorated mosques, and climb to the top to get your first tantalising glimpse of the Taj across the river.

Accommodation

Raj Mahal Palace or similar (1 night)

Meals Included

Not many people like really early mornings, but this one is definitely worth it. Get up before the sun to see it rise over the Taj Mahal. Watch the iconic building bathed in early morning light. Many people believe it to be the most perfectly proportioned building ever constructed; at first glance it appears to be simply white marble, but closer inspection reveals that the surface is inlaid with semi-precious stones that form stylised flowers and bowers. This is truly magical. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the Taj is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Next, head east and pass the Kos Minar medieval milestones, which point the way to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri (approximately 2 hours). Deserted after only a few years because there wasn’t enough water, the incredibly well preserved 16th century royal complex is a haven of courtyards, pavilions, ornamental gardens, the striking Jama Masjid mosque, and home to the intricately carved Rumi Sultana palace. Continue on to Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambhore National Park (approximately 2 hours) – the 'Jungle Book' brought to life!

Accommodation

Raj Palace Resort or Similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Fatehpur Sikri

Meals Included

Ranthambhore National Park is one of the premier national parks of India – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples, and that is also is teeming with wildlife to spot. You will make a couple of game drives during your stay here, with hopes of getting a sighting of the majestic Bengal tigers that survive among the ruined forts and temples, stalking through the jungle. Game drives take place early in the morning and in late afternoon, as this is when animals are most active. Even if the tigers are being too stealthy, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for.

Notes: During the hot summer months, Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. Therefore, during this time, we alter our itinerary and take the opportunity to visit the nearby Swai Mansingh Sanctuary instead. A wide variety of interesting wildlife resides here, including hyena, sloth bear, wild boar, panther and cheetah. While there is the rare chance to spot a tiger, this should not be expected. An exciting wildlife walk and a game drive will be included here.

Accommodation

Raj Palace Resort or Similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Ranthambore NP - Wildlife safaris

Meals Included

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before heading northwest to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan (approximately 2 hours). Surrounded by a wall dripping in an earthy red colour in the style of the Mughal sandstone cities. Walk through the Pink City’s streets, busy with camels, motorbikes, rickshaws, and past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches, as monkeys climb wires overhead. Jaipur, like Delhi, has both old and new parts, although you will concentrate on the old. Your free time here in the friendly, busy city is perfect for haggling to your heart's content, the bazaars and backstreets filled with textiles, precious and semi-precious gems, and blue pottery. You can also hit the streets for raj kachori chaat – a big fluffy chaat served with chutney, yoghurt, chilli and potato. Then cool off with a lassi from Lassiwala on MI road, Jaipur's oldest and most famous lassi shop.

Accommodation

Hotel Mahal Khandela or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory

Optional Activities

Jaipur - Hawa Mahal photo stop - INR200

Meals Included

Visit the sprawling City Palace, once home to the Maharaja, an amazing complex that's home to various colourful courtyard gates, fascinating museums displaying royal costumes and weaponry, and guards whose moustaches are almost as impressive as the building itself. The palace continues to be a royal residence even after the Jaipur kingdom merged with the Indian Union in 1949. Continue on to the 18th century Jantar Mantar– not a series of elaborate sculptures but actually an observatory filled with instruments to track the stars. Then it’s on to the distinctive five-storied Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, with its detailed honeycombed façade filled with concealed windows. The impressive view makes it the most photographed building in the country after Taj Mahal. Royal maidens once watched the streets below through the fabulous jali (lattice screens), which hid them from prying male eyes. Today snake charmers and fortune-tellers ply their trade below the same hideaway. The rest of the day is free to explore further, or find a spot to people watch and relax.

Accommodation

Hotel Mahal Khandela or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Jaipur - City Palace

Meals Included

Climb the twisting roads of the Aravalli Hills and round the final bend to see the massive Amber Fort loom into view (approximately 30 minutes). Pass Maota Lake before turning uphill, past the elephant stables, to Jai Pol ‘Victory Gate’. This is the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs, who gave their loyalty to Moghul overlords. From the spoils of war they gradually built a fabulous complex of royal rooms, which now make up the Amber Fort. The fallen empire’s legacy, the opulent palace is packed with elaborate rooms of lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Don’t miss the sparkling Mirror Palace, covered floor-to-ceiling in thousands of reflective tiles, and look down over picturesque Moata Lake.

Later, head deeper into the princely state of Rajasthan to Nawalgarh, leaving the city behind for a more relaxed village vibe (approximately 4 hours). Catch glimpses of life in the most colourful of India’s regions – sari-clad women carrying terracotta pots of water, bangles tinkling as they walk. If the sun’s still up, take a walk around the village, meet the locals and maybe accept the challenge of a game of cricket!

Accommodation

Hotel Roop Niwas Kothi or Similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Nawalgarh - Haveli Museum

Meals Included

Travel to Alsisar, located in the Shekhawati region and uncover the artistic heritage of the area (approximately 1.5 hours).

The semi-arid village of Alsisar is painted with legendary stories with its many hand painted havelis. Our accommodation for this evening is the breathtaking palace of Alsisar “Alsisar Mahal" which was built in the 17th century. With its grand courtyards, colourful dining arcades and heritage rooms it will be a highlight of your trip. And the kids will love the pool!

Accommodation

Alsisar Mahal or Similar (1 night)

Meals Included

After breakfast this morning, leave the countryside behind and get back into the beating rhythm of Delhi by mid-afternoon (approximately 9 hours). Use the rest of the day however you like. Practice your bargaining skills in Chandni Chowk in the maze of shops and kiosks that sell everything imaginable, buy local crafts straight from the hands of the artisan in Janpath market, or gobble down street chaats – snacks like deep fried fritters and flatbread.

Hear the story behind the man at Gandhi’s house, see one last ancient structure at Qutb Minar, or relax in the Mughal gardens. No doubt your leader will arrange one ‘last supper’, where you can look back over the trip of a lifetime and get your head around all the wonders you’ve witnessed.

Accommodation

Hotel Taj Princess or Similar (1 night)

Optional Activities

Connaught Place Market - Free

Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR2500

Delhi - Home-Cooked Experience Urban Adventure - INR4000

Meals Included

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts,
2 lunches,
3 dinners

Transport

Bus,
Cycle rickshaw,
Private Bus,
Shuttle Bus,
Train

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Included activities

Delhi - Jama Masjid

Delhi - Old Delhi tour

Delhi - India Gate

Fatehpur Sikri

Ranthambore NP - Wildlife safaris

Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory

Jaipur - City Palace

Nawalgarh - Haveli Museum

Meals

9 breakfasts,
2 lunches,
3 dinners

Transport

Bus,
Cycle rickshaw,
Private Bus,
Shuttle Bus,
Train

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Included activities

Delhi - Jama Masjid

Delhi - Old Delhi tour

Delhi - India Gate

Fatehpur Sikri

Ranthambore NP - Wildlife safaris

Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory

Jaipur - City Palace

Nawalgarh - Haveli Museum

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.

2. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.

3.A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children under 17 years of age at time of travel.

4. This trip starts at 1pm on Day 1.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.